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News Navigator: What will the Tokyo Sky Tree look like when it's completed?
The Mainichi answers common questions readers may have regarding Japan's tallest building, the Tokyo Sky Tree.
Question: The Tokyo Sky Tree, which is still under construction in Tokyo's Sumida Ward, has already surpassed the 333-meter tall Tokyo Tower as the tallest structure in Japan. What will it look like when it's completed?
Answer: The tower was designed in the image of a large tree extending toward the sky. It may appear to be entirely cylindrical, but the base is actually an equilateral triangle with sides 70 meters long. The shape gradually changes to a cylinder as you move up the tower, borrowing from the curved roofs seen in shrine and temple construction. This has the effect of softening any oppressiveness the structure might give off. Another appeal of the tower is that based on the angle from which it is seen, it has various shadows.
Q: What color is it? Some people say it looks white, while some say it's light blue, and still some others say it's gray.
A: The color is an original one based on the Japanese traditional color "aijiro," that has been dubbed "Sky Tree White." It is a white color with a slight hint of blue. It was chosen as a color that would blend with the sights of the four seasons and the flavor of the old neighborhood that surrounds the tower.
Lighting designs for the two of the tower's motifs -- "iki" (dapperness) and "miyabi" (elegance) -- have also been decided. Iki will be represented by a blue light symbolizing the water of the Sumida River, and miyabi by a type of purple called Edo murasaki.
Q: The final height of the tower was changed during construction. Why?
A: The initial plan was for the tower to stand at 610 meters. But considering other high-rise structures that are in the planning stages or are being built around the world, such as the Guangzhou TV & Sightseeing Tower, the final height was changed to 634 meters. The Sky Tree is expected to be the world's tallest self-standing tower, without the use of supporting wires. Furthermore, the new height is a play on words. Sumida Ward, where the tower is located, was once a part of a region called Musashi, and in Japanese, "mu" sounds like six, "sa" like three, and "shi" like four.
Q: Will the tower be able to withstand earthquakes?
A: The structure of five-story pagodas, believed to be earthquake-proof, was taken into consideration in designing the Sky Tree. The central pillar (a cylinder made of reinforced concrete) and the steel frame of the tower itself are structurally isolated from each other, minimizing any shaking caused by earthquakes or strong winds. Shaking in the body of the tower and that of the central pillar apparently cancel each other out.
Q: So the Sky Tree incorporates a lot of traditional Japanese techniques and traditions. The completion of the tower is truly something to look forward to.
A: In April, the Sky Tree's height exceeded 350 meters. Construction is expected to be completed in December of next year, and the tower is slated to begin operations in the spring of 2012, but many people have been visiting the area to catch a glimpse of the tower under construction.
The completed tower will have observation decks at 350 meters and 450 meters, and will be used to provide digital terrestrial broadcasting coverage. Event halls and commercial facilities are set to open nearby as well. (Answers by Nao Yamada, City News Department)
Click here for the original Japanese story
(Mainichi Japan) May 9, 2010